LONDON, Kentucky (WAVY) — Back in November of 1986, a body was found in McCreary County, Kentucky, but after several leads that could’ve identified the man, the case went cold.
30 years later, Kentucky authorities resumed their investigation, and through an extensive search a missing man from Norfolk was identified as a possible match in late 2017.
Now authorities can confirm it was Gerald Swindell, who went missing from Norfolk at the age of 29.
In a press release Thursday, Kentucky State Police say McCreary County Coroner Tim Corder and Kentucky State Police Detective Billy Correll were able to contact one of Swindell’s relatives in California, and with the help of the University of North Texas’ Health Science Center, a DNA match was confirmed this May.
“The technology and resources of today are far better than those of 1986. This investigation was successful because of our ability to communicate with other agencies and coordinate our efforts,” Corder said. “I am happy to be a part of helping provide some closure to the Swindell family after so many years of not knowing.”
The Arroyo Grande Police Department in Arroyo Grande, California, and the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NAMUS) also helped in the process.
While the match may bring some closure, Kentucky State Police say Detective Correll is still investigating the case.
